Woodstock crew not seriously injured as train plows into truck

Source: London Free Press - 08-08-22

Four people walked away from a train crash yesterday with only scrapes and bruises.

A freight train smashed into a transport truck carrying 40,500 kilograms of block stone on a rail crossing north of Highway 401 at about 4:45 p.m.

The train's two engines derailed, but its 14 cars -- none carrying hazardous material -- stayed on the tracks.

"The tractor-trailer ended up stopped on the tracks somehow and the engine hit the trailer part of the unit," said OPP Const. Chris Hunter. "You can always replace property. We are very fortunate there were no injuries."

Three CP employees were in the front engine that derailed into a grass ditch alongside Putnam Road. The track was bent from the impact.

The trucker went to hospital on his own and was treated for minor injuries. Police were still investigating why the tractor-trailer paused on the train tracks, said Hunter.

The crash happened next to the Putnam Community Centre. Some residents heard the bang from their houses.

"The train blew its horn really loudly before the impact because it likely saw the truck stopped on the tracks," said Putnam resident John Craig.

"Trucks go across those tracks every day because they haul bricks and concrete to the compound nearby."

The train was coming from Woodstock and heading to St. Thomas. The Putnam railway crossing is controlled by two stop signs, said Hunter.

"It's important to remind people when they approach a train crossing to stop and obey the traffic controls," she said.